Nigeria’s Chidimma Adetshina Becomes Miss Universe 2024 First Runner-Up, Also Miss Universe Africa and Oceania

Nigeria’s Chidimma Adetshina finished as the first runner-up at the 73rd Miss Universe competition held early Sunday at the Arena CDMX in Mexico City. The competition ended with an intense showdown between Adetshina and Miss Denmark, Victoria Kjaer Theilvig, who ultimately won the crown. Theilvig succeeds Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua, the 2023 Miss Universe.

Adetshina competed against 126 contestants worldwide, including representatives from 18 African countries. Her performance earned her widespread praise for her grace and confidence.  In an interview shared by Miss Universe Nigeria, Adetshina expressed her excitement, saying,

I’m so excited. I don’t have words to describe how I am feeling right now but I’m so proud of myself. I just made history! So, I’m so proud.

In a subsequent post, Miss Universe Nigeria stressed that Adetshina is not just the first runner-up of Miss Universe 2024 but also the winner of the Miss Universe Africa and Oceania title. It may be recalled that challenges marked her journey to the Miss Universe stage.

Born to a Nigerian father and a Mozambican mother in Soweto, South Africa, Adetshina faced backlash from some South Africans who argued she was ineligible to compete because of her Nigerian roots. Reports also suggested her mother might have been involved in identity theft.

Due to concerns for her safety and well-being, Adetshina announced her withdrawal from the competition through her Instagram account. The controversy had wider implications, leading the Puebla International Literature Festival to withdraw South Africa as its featured country for the year. Miss Universe Nigeria later invited Adetshina to represent Taraba State. The beauty queen went on to win the Miss Universe Nigeria title and placed herself on the global stage.

Adetshina’s achievement follows in the footsteps of Nigeria’s Agbani Darego, who became the first Black African woman to win Miss World in 2001.

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